Culture & Language

Travel culture, language and lifestyle — from Japanese greetings to European customs and drinking laws.

FAQ

How much local language do I need to learn?

A dozen phrases go a long way: hello, thank you, please, excuse me, yes/no, sorry, one beer/water/coffee, the bill, where is…?, goodbye. Locals everywhere appreciate the effort, and you’ll have more authentic experiences. Beyond that, Google Translate’s camera and conversation modes handle most situations.

What is the most common European greeting etiquette?

Most Europeans shake hands on first meeting. French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese often give double-cheek kisses between women, or women and men who know each other (one kiss in Belgium, three in Netherlands and parts of Switzerland). Germany, UK and Scandinavia are more reserved — handshake or nod.

What is the tipping culture across Europe?

Much lighter than the US. France/Italy/Spain: service is usually included, leaving €1-5 extra is generous. Germany/Austria/Switzerland: round up to the nearest euro or 5-10%. UK: 10-12% if service not included. Scandinavia: included, no extra expected. Greece: 5-10% at restaurants.

Are there cultural dress codes I should know about?

Catholic and Orthodox churches (Vatican, Greek monasteries): cover shoulders and knees. Mosques in Muslim-majority countries: women’s headscarves and modest clothing. Japanese temples: no open-toed shoes if you must enter socked areas. Some high-end European restaurants still expect “smart casual” — no shorts or flip-flops at dinner.

What are common cultural mistakes tourists make?

Speaking loudly in public (Americans especially), giving thumbs-up in Iran/parts of Middle East (rude), showing the sole of your foot in Arab countries, touching heads in Buddhist countries, tipping in Japan (insulting), taking photos of police/military/government buildings, and ignoring queue etiquette in UK/Nordic countries.